James Cameron striving to meet expectations for Avatar 2

James Cameron’s Avatar shattered box office records back in 2009, leaving behind a huge footprint and even bigger expectations for Avatar 2. As a result, the director is feeling the pressure to surpass the original’s phenomenal reception, and to prove it wasn’t a “big fluke.”

Entertainment Weekly asked Cameron if working on the sequels (three are in development) has been an easier process. The director said it’s in fact been a harder experience because of a need to challenge himself, and the impossible expectations placed on Avatar 2.

“Obviously, expectations are going to be very high on these films, especially on Avatar 2, to make sure it wasn’t just some big fluke the first time. So we’ve got to deliver. I’ve created a nice rod for my own back, so they say,” he said.

Cameron confirms the three sequels are firmly in development and is “just refining” the scripts for each project. He notes the design process is also “very mature at this point,” with “all the characters, settings and creatures all pretty much set.”

Avatar 2 is scheduled to open in theaters sometime in 2017.